What to Know Before Moving to Oxnard

Attractions and Things to Do

Oxnard’s 20-mile long coastline is gorgeous. The wide, white sandy beaches, dunes, and wetlands provide all kinds of fantastic recreation, from beachcombing and birdwatching to swimming and surfing. Mandalay Beach, without facilities, is purposely left in its wild state and is popular for its beach break near the power plant. McGrath State Beach has unspoiled wetlands and is popular for birding, fishing, and surfing. Silver Strand Beach is considered Oxnard’s best surfing spot and is also a popular swimming beach. Oxnard State Beach and Park has great facilities for families, including a fantastic kids’ playground. Channel Islands Harbor is the gateway to the Channel Islands with whale watching trips, chartered fishing trips, and a marina. This working harbor has a terrific network of walking and bike paths, shops, and seafood restaurants.

Once you’ve had enough surf and sun, you can explore the Channel Islands Maritime Museum, the Carnegie Art Museum, or tour downtown’s Heritage Square, with its group of restored historic buildings. Four-wheel aficionados love Oxnard for its two auto museums: the Mullin Automotive Museum and the Murphy Auto Museum. Check out more fun Oxnard activities here.

Oxnard’s Great Climate

Oxnard’s climate is considered to be one of the nation’s most moderate and comfortable. Some beach cities are plagued with fog, overcast skies, and humidity, but not Oxnard. The Strawberry Capital of the World gets lots of sunny days, very little rain, no snow, and low humidity. July is the warmest month with highs of around 73℉ and lows that drop down to about 59℉. January is chilliest with average highs of 66℉ and lows that average 46℉. Annual rainfall adds up to about 15 inches with the wet season running December through March.

Cost of Living

The overall cost of living in Oxnard is about a third higher than the national average but much lower than in neighboring cities like Thousand Oaks, Ventura, or Santa Barbara. Housing costs account for the highest living expense and run about twice as much as the national average. Because the climate is so moderate, many residents don’t need to run air conditioners and heaters like in many other parts of the country. Consequently, utility costs are about 12% lower than the national average.

Getting Around Oxnard

Other than Amtrak and Gold Coast Transit, which operates a bus system, Oxnard’s public transit is limited. As in so many California cities, residents depend on their four wheels to get around. In fact, only 1% of Oxnard commuters use mass transit. The six-lane Highway 101 runs along the northeastern side of the city and is the major artery for those who commute up and down the coast. Walkscore.com awards Oxnard with an overall 55 walk score, 32 transit score, and 52 bike score. However, downtown has earned scores of 95 for walking, 46 for transit, and 63 for cycling.